Hi

A friend has just asked me if I know anything about this, which I dont - but I figured someone here must.

I found the basics (which she knew already) online but if anyone has done it locally (I hope the mods leave this as a local thread) and can help with the following I/we would be grateful:

1) Are you tied to a particular shop or can you take your voucher anywhere?From the info her employer has one shop has been given a golden deal with really easy paperwork - but she has a feeling she can go elsewhere

2) Have any of you been successful in different shops and are there delas to be done? She actually wants a new frame and wheels - not a complete bike which the scheme strictly only supports

3) Did your employer cap the total? She works for one of the Uni's and the cap is at 750 which is way over her max but again we are both curious whats on offer out there

Many thanks

Deepak (and friend)

I would love to be able to cycle to work but given as I work in Worksop and would have to ride on arguablly Britains most dangerous road I always chicken out ( not brave enough )

Growler can you not use the national cycle network think its route 6 or 67 runs from worksop into more or less Sheffield City Centre

How can I find out more

Think the problem with Sheffield is that the cycle paths are woeful.

For example the cycle path from the Northern General to Hillsborough is as follows....... Starts at Norwood Road, goes up the hill (only half way up the hill) and stops at the pelican crossing (100 meters in distance)

The new one from Shalesmor to the city centre...... starts at shalesmoor roundabout .... and.... wait for it....... stops at the first left hand juncytion 10 meters away.

It would seem to depend on the employer, as a colleague of mine has just obtained a bike through the scheme and -

The maximum amount was higher than you've stated, up to around 1500 I think.

He could have got his bike from anywhere in the country, but it had to be a Halfords shop, I think.

Don't know about being able to get just a frame, I think it would depend on getting a deal with the shop involved - so depends how flexible they are.

I'd love to cycle the 3.5 - 4 miles to my work every day instead of drive, however I don't feel like being destroyed by motorists.

The cycle paths that I see on my way to work are mostly a joke. They tend to be slivers of red tarmac at the edge of the road that last for a few feet then ends. Normally full of debris, blocked by other vehicles and not at all protective or helpful. Of course you can ride on the pavement, but this isn't allowed and probably not safe for pedestrians.

Most mornings I see very close incidents for cyclists being nearly hit or not getting any respect from my fellow motorists, so I don't intend to join them in this kamikazi run until I see proper cycle lanes appear and more safety for cyclists.

I used to use my motorbike to go to work in the summer months and even then had the odd problem from cars, vans and busses. I reckon a cycle would be more vulnerable without decent lanes and areas for them seperated as best as possible from other traffic.

It's a shame because it would be another healthy addition to my life, reduce congestion, reduce polution etc. but I think the risk of injury or death would be higher because Sheffield's roads don't seem to cater for cyclists as far as I can see (not on my route anyway).

As mentioned the National Cycle Network covers and circles Sheffield using off road trails, paths and old railway lines. You can spot an entrance to the trails at the side of the main roads by there distinctive A frame barriers to stop motorbikes.

Grab a bit of green along the way without sucking in those diesel fumes which could cause more harm and risk heart disease.

I used to cycle from Middlewood to the city centre but its far too dangerous...:(

I work at home, do I qualify???

I work at home, do I qualify???

If you have a stretch of red tarmac going up your stairs then yes!

Think the problem with Sheffield is that the cycle paths are woeful.

For example the cycle path from the Northern General to Hillsborough is as follows....... Starts at Norwood Road, goes up the hill (only half way up the hill) and stops at the pelican crossing (100 meters in distance)

The new one from Shalesmor to the city centre...... starts at shalesmoor roundabout .... and.... wait for it....... stops at the first left hand juncytion 10 meters away.

IMO they only put it in because they made a three lane road into two and therefore had a bit of extra space. It disappears when the road starts to get narrower :rolleyes:

I'd love to cycle the 3.5 - 4 miles to my work every day instead of drive, however I don't feel like being destroyed by motorists.

The cycle paths that I see on my way to work are mostly a joke. They tend to be slivers of red tarmac at the edge of the road that last for a few feet then ends. Normally full of debris, blocked by other vehicles and not at all protective or helpful. Of course you can ride on the pavement, but this isn't allowed and probably not safe for pedestrians.

Most mornings I see very close incidents for cyclists being nearly hit or not getting any respect from my fellow motorists, so I don't intend to join them in this kamikazi run until I see proper cycle lanes appear and more safety for cyclists.

I used to use my motorbike to go to work in the summer months and even then had the odd problem from cars, vans and busses. I reckon a cycle would be more vulnerable without decent lanes and areas for them seperated as best as possible from other traffic.

It's a shame because it would be another healthy addition to my life, reduce congestion, reduce polution etc. but I think the risk of injury or death would be higher because Sheffield's roads don't seem to cater for cyclists as far as I can see (not on my route anyway).

My friend keeps telling me I should ride more defensively - i.e. further into the road away from the kerb so motorists are forced to overtake rather than brush past. I'm too scared to do that though!

IMO they only put it in because they made a three lane road into two and therefore had a bit of extra space. It disappears when the road starts to get narrower :rolleyes:

These sound very much like the 'lanes' I was talking about, totally useless and until something more adequate is in place I can't see how Sheffield City Council can be even considered to be encouraging us to use cycles instead of cars.

My friend keeps telling me I should ride more defensively - i.e. further into the road away from the kerb so motorists are forced to overtake rather than brush past. I'm too scared to do that though!I did this on my motorbike, it was a lot bigger and faster than a cycle and I'd advise anyone on a motorbike to do so (I think you'd fail your test if not). But I'd certainly not do this on a push bike on Sheffield's roads. I've seen many disputes between cyclists and drivers and reckon this would only lead to accidents or fights.

On the subject of cycle lanes: I know this has been on here before but I found it highly entertaining and want to bring it to more people :D !

http://www.warringtoncyclecampaign.co.uk/facility-of-the-month

Becky B, you could have easily posted that and said it was a Sheffield Cycle Lane, there's very little difference. Look at the lanes on Abbeylane for example, they are a joke.

How can I find out more

look up sustrans on google. It has a very good interactive map under the "get Cycling" menu option.

Becky B, you could have easily posted that and said it was a Sheffield Cycle Lane, there's very little difference. Look at the lanes on Abbeylane for example, they are a joke.

Did you look at the other pictures though? There are arrows at the top to go through them. Sheffield does feature :) I agree about Sheffield cycle lanes, this just shows it's not just confined to Sheffield :rolleyes: :) The car is king, eh?